ARCSTONE Improvements

This SBIR Phase II effort will advance a new ARCSTONE instrument for calibrating lunar reflectance from TRL 2 to TRL 4. The new instrument, conceived in the Phase I effort, will be much smaller than first-generation units and fit within a 6U satellite payload with substantial margin. This system will utilize a single focal plane array and span the spectral range of 350-2,300 nm. Optical modeling indicates the new design will meet the ARCSTONE science needs, and preliminary mechanical designs indicate the system will be robust. The goal of the effort is to reduce risk for the smaller instrument and set the stage for development of a flight system. During the Phase II effort, the existing design will be iteratively improved as optical, mechanical, and assembly/alignment considerations are addressed and refined. This work will benefit from lessons learned from the first generation ARCSTONE instrument and will readily integrate into the NASA ARCSTONE program.

The prototype instrument will pave the path towards development of an ARCSTONE flight system that meets the size and weight constraints of a 6U cubesat.

There are currently no envisioned non-NASA applications.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.